Kyle Williams' Super 25 high school girls basketball rankings for March 8, 2026

Nazareth left no doubt that they were the best team in the state after a dominant 55-23 win at CEFCU Arena over Loyola to win its second state championship in four years. The Roadrunners ended Loyola's 25-game win streak and had the largest margin of victory in a championship game since 2008.

The Roadrunners ended their season on a 25-game winning streak. Their only in-state loss was to Benet in December, and they faced a tough road to get to Normal. The Roadrunners had to beat Whitney Young, St. Ignatius, Downers Grove North and Waubonsie Valley just to advance to the 4A semifinal game.

But those battles prepared Nazareth for the two biggest games of its season and it showed. The ball moved seamlessly offensively — the first basket was a cross-court pass to junior guard Sophia Towne for three. Defensively, Nazareth was active, cutting off drives and limiting Loyola's potent post scorers.

"I'm super excited that we got to come back and just prove ourselves and prove that we can hang with the best teams," said senior guard Lyla Shelton, who scored eight points.

Shelton (Concordia University Wisconsin) has been a steady contributor for the Roadrunners all season. She delivered in Monday's super-sectional win over Waubonsie Valley, scoring 18 points. She brings constant energy to the Roadrunners and is always vocal on the court.

I've felt this season that Shelton has been underrated throughout the area. She's a reliable shooter who can play both on- and off the ball.

'One of the all-time greats'

In the afterglow of Nazareth's state championship win over Loyola, Stritzel had high praise for freshman standout Mia Gage, who scored 11 points, grabbed five rebounds and recorded five steals.

"Our guards put so much pressure on the ball, and it allows our wings to be really aggressive," Stritzel said. "I think Mia is going to be one of the all-time greats."

Gage is usually the most athletic player on the court. She regularly uses her athleticism to jump passing lines and high-point rebounds. She even showcased some impressive shot-making in Saturday's championship game.

Gage, like senior Stella Sakalas before her, is now a state champion after an impressive freshman season. She credited her teammates for helping acclimate her to varsity basketball.

"I think just knowing that my teammates are going to be there for the next pass, or if I get beat, then they'll be there to help me," Gage said.

Ramblers runner-up

Even with the lopsided score, Loyola still had an impressive season, finishing as the 4A runner-ups. The Ramblers lost senior guard Aubrey Galvan, who is having a tremendous freshman season at Vanderbilt. She shouldered a lot of the offensive responsibility, but the Ramblers returned to Normal by doubling down on their defense and playing more through their post players (juniors Maddison Locke and Emily Naraky).

Nazareth did a good job of shutting down the paint and preventing Locke and Naraky from getting easy looks there. The Ramblers struggled to score, especially from the three-point line (1-for-16 from three).

With Locke and Naraky returning, the Ramblers will still be formidable next season.

1. Nazareth (35-3) 1

Won the 4A state championship

2. Loyola Academy (34-3) 2

4A state runner-up

3. Waubonsie Valley (32-4) 3

Lost in the 4A super-sectional

4. Rolling Meadows (22-12) 8

Finished fourth in 4A

5. Trinity (26-11) 9

Third place in 3A

6. Providence (31-5) 4

Loss to Washington in super-sectional

7. Homewood-Flossmoor (24-10) 7

Loss to Belleville East in super-sectional

8. Carmel (25-10) 5

Freshman Liv Johnson just getting started

9. St. Charles East (22-12) 6

Sophmore Brooklyn Schilb returns

10. Benet (27-5) 10

Losing seniors Sailor Jones, Bridget Rifenburg and Emma Briggs

11. Downers Grove North (30-3) 11

Junior Campbell Thulin and freshman Eva Yerkovich return

12. Fremd (26-7) 12

Gracie Todd returns

13. Libertyville (27-7) 13

Star Lily Fisher returns

14. Maine South (25-9) 14

Season ended against Loyola

15. Mother McAuley (24-7) 15

Junior Taji Alexa is back to lead next year's group

16. Marist (26-9) 12

Graduating Lucy and Olivia Cosme

17. Glenbard West (28-5) 17

Sophomore Addison Long returns

18. Bolingbrook (25-5) 18

Graduates Natalie Frempong

19. Hinsdale Central (21-12) 19

Graduates Katherine Skinner

20. Prospect (21-11) 20

Graduates Alli Linke

21. Hersey (21-8) 21

Graduates Kate Donovan

22. Evanston (18-11) 22

Charity Bryant is just scratching the surface

23. Lane (17-15) 23

Team to watch next season

24. DePaul Prep (22-7) 24

Graduates Kaitlin Totaro and Grace Lee

25. St. Viator (22-16) NR

Fourth place in 3A